County receives federal funding for emergency food and shelter program

LAKE COUNTY -- Lake County was awarded federal funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

FEMA provided $41,240 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs within the county.

The selection was made by a national board chaired by FEMA and consisting of representatives from the American Red Cross, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army, United Jewish Communities, United Way of America and Catholic Charities, USA.

A Lake County board made up of representatives of the same organizations and county service agencies will determine how the funds will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by county service agencies in the area.

A board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the county.

The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available during this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the national board grant, agencies chosen to receive funds must be private, voluntary nonprofit organizations or units of government, be eligible to receive federal funds, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and must have a voluntary board if it is a private voluntary organization.

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Tammy Alakszay, community action coordinator for North Coast Opportunities, at 994-4647 ext. 123 or at talakszay@ncoinc.org to receive an application.

Applications must be received by Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. Electronic submission of applications is encouraged, but hard copies will be accepted.